Mini Reviews: X Marks the Scot, Lady of Pleasure, Demon’s Bride

X Marks the Scot (Bad Boys of the Highlands #2) by Victoria Roberts

He was a Highland rogue—wicked with a bow and just as wicked with the ladies.

Declan MacGregor hadn’t a care in the world beyond finding a soft bed and willing woman…until he had to escort Lady Liadain Campbell to the English court. The woman needles him at every turn, but he can’t just abandon her to that vipers’ nest without protection.

She never asked for a bodyguard…

Liadain wasn’t thrilled to be left in the care of her clan’s archrival. It was as if the man never had a lady tell him no before! And yet as whispers of treason swirl through the court and the threat of danger grows ever sharper, her bitter enemy soon becomes the only one she can trust… ~ Goodreads

My thoughts: I'm not usually a fan of highlander stories but I won this one (from Book Girl of Mur-y Castell) & gave it a shot. X Marks the Scot was a lot of fun with great witty banter between the H/h. I also loved that the heroine wouldn't be disrespected by the hero when he started to go all alpha on her. You go girl! I hate when strong women all of a sudden become a weak puddle of goo once they fall in love. That was not the case here.

The ending was a little rushed with a subplot that wasn’t quite as interesting as the main couple’s story but still a fun read.

Author: Website | Buy the book: X Marks the Scot


Lady of Pleasure (School of Gallantry #3) by Delilah Marvelle

Educating one's self in the art of love takes time...

Lady Caroline Arabella Starling has been in love with her older brother's best friend, Caldwell, since she was thirteen. Unfortunately, too many things keep getting in the way of proving her love. Her four younger sisters, her mother, her brother, all of society and the man she loves himself. But where there is a will, there is a way, and Caroline is about to redefine not only respectability but true love.
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Ronan Henry Dearborn, the fourth Marquess of Caldwell, lives to see himself through Caroline's eyes but knows he is leading a life unworthy of her or her dreams. He will do anything to keep her from learning the truth about himself and his past, including keeping her at a distance. But when he and Caroline get tangled in a situation neither of them can get out of, the only way to create a happily-ever-after between them is to take up the advice of a French courtesan who re-educates them both in the art of love. ~ Goodreads

My thoughts: Lady of Pleasure was a bit more intense than most historical romances. The hero has a very dark secret that keeps him from ever finding himself worthy of love and respect.

I loved the friendship that Lady Caroline and Ronan shared when they were younger. It’s the one pure thing in Ronan’s life and it provides a solid foundation to overcome the obstacles thrown in their way.

Lady Caroline is another really intelligent, feisty heroine that knows she’s worthy of true love and commitment and won’t settle for less. I’m loving this trend and I'm happy that I’m seeing more of in historical romances.

The ending is a bit too sweet and perfect but this couple deserves it.

Author: Website (Very funny about Delilah page here ) | Buy the book! Lady of Pleasure (School of Gallantry) 



Demon’s Bride (The Hellraisers #2) by Zoe Archer

HELL TO PAY

Leo Bailey may have been born to poverty, but ruthless business sense and sparkling intelligence have made money worries a thing of his past. It doesn’t hurt that the Devil himself has granted Leo the ability to read the future.

But even infallible predictions are a déclassé commoner’s trick to some members of the ton. They’ll never see Leo as their equal—one good reason to prove himself their better. And a noble marriage is an obvious start.

Bookish Anne Hartfield, daughter of a baron, is hardly the flashiest miss on the marriage market. But her thoughtful reserve complements Leo’s brash boldness in an attraction neither can deny. A whirlwind courtship sweeps Anne and Leo into a smoldering marriage before either can believe their luck. But happiness built on Leo’s dark powers can’t last. Soon, Anne will have to save her husband…or lose her heart… ~ Goodreads

My thoughts:
I received this book for review last year and it somehow got lost in my massive TBR pile. (bad blogger!) When I received the third book of the Hellraisers series (Sinner's Heart) for review I wanted to make sure I was up to speed before starting.

I'm so glad I took the time to read this! I really enjoyed the relationship between Leo and Anne. It was slow building, based on mutual respect and filled with steamy sexual chemistry despite starting as an arranged marriage.

Demon's Bride was more relationship focused than Devil's Kiss but the second half was action packed, bringing back Whit & Zora from the previous book and ending with a big confrontation between the Hellraisers as they try to literally win their their souls back from the devil.

Author: Website | Buy the book! Demon's Bride (Hellraisers)

Note: Zoe Archer will be stopping by the blog Tuesday, April 2nd, with a guest post about the Gods of death and the underworld. It’s a really cool post and I can’t wait to share it!